establish

verb

i-STAB-lish/ɪˈstæb.lɪʃ/

Formsestablishes, establishing, established

4 meanings of establish

1
verbtransitive
To bring into being and set up on a lasting footing, as a business, organization, or institution.
The founders established the company in 1920 with modest capital.
Several nations moved to establish a joint trade council.
Similarfound, start (entry), create, form, launch
Oppositedissolve, abolish
2
verbtransitive
To demonstrate the truth of something and cause it to be accepted as fact.
Investigators established a clear link between the two events.
The study aims to establish whether the treatment actually works.
Similarprove, demonstrate, show, determine, confirm
Oppositedisprove, refute
3
verbtransitive
To make firm or stable; to confirm or settle something securely.
The treaty established lasting peace between the rival states.
Repeated success helped the team establish its reputation.
Similarsecure, cement, consolidate, build
Oppositeundermine
4
verbtransitive
To enact or ordain laws, regulations, or guidelines, or to appoint officers and set rules into force.
Congress established the agency to oversee financial markets.
The charter empowers the board to establish new bylaws.
Similarcreate, institute, enact, adopt, constitute
Oppositeabolish, repeal

Practice

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Origin

This word comes from Middle English 'establissen', taken from the Old French verb 'establir' (Modern French 'établir'), which goes back to Latin 'stabilīre', from 'stabilis' meaning 'firm, steady, stable'.